The Best of Manchester – could it be you?

The city’s creative industries are being urged get the year off to a flying start following the announcement of dates for this year’s quest to find the Best of Manchester 2009.
Organised by Urbis, the annual competition kicks off next month.
Announcing the dates at the Urbis website , chief executive Vaughan Allen says, “We are continuing to develop the Awards so we’re running a graphic design competition to develop 2009’s marketing campaign, for example, and we’re already working with an impressive line-up of judges.
“This activity will help support not just the Awards but the creative industries in Manchester as a whole – because that’s what The Best of Manchester Awards are really about.
“We want to recognise, celebrate and nurture creative innovation in the city. We want to do our bit to support the next generation of creative practitioners who will retain Manchester’s place an international beacon for the best music, art and fashion.’
A panel of industry expert judges will be led by Peter Saville.
Anyone working within art, music and fashion – and who lives or works in Greater Manchester can enter to be in with a chance of some long-term professional development, a cash prize and an exhibition at Urbis.
There is no age limit and no specific rules: the organisers say ” just the best creative thinking by the best creative professionals working in Manchester today.”
The Best of Manchester Awards 2008 winners included a symphony written for and performed by typewriters; a fanzine, record label and club night all rolled into one and a vintage boutique – complete with its own programme of do-it-yourself courses, teaching you how to make the most of your wardrobe.
The three categories – art, music and fashion – are deliberately broad, designed to encourage entries that blur boundaries, mix disciplines and are genuinely creative.
The significant dates are;
• The Best of Manchester Awards 2009 competition runs from 16 February – 30 April 2009.
• The winners will be announced live at an awards ceremony at Urbis on 23 July 2009.
• The Best of Manchester Awards 2009 exhibition runs at Urbis from 24 July – 20 September2009.